The Sun

"FRA DIAVOLO" AND "COPPELIA"
Double Bill at the Metropolitan Opera House Enlists Russian Dancers.

The generous bill at the Metropolitan Opera House last night comprised Auber’s “Fra Diavolo” and Delibes’s “Coppelia,” and most of the spectators were so interested in the dancing of Anna Pavlowa and Michael Mordkin in the latter work that they remained until the final curtain. The two gifted young Russians are probably unaware of the extent to which they have disturbed the Cinderella habits of New York opera-goers, many of whom it is safe to say have rarely seen the conclusion of any musical drama in the repertory.

The fact is that for the moment the performance of the two dancers is the most popular attraction the Metropolitan has to offer, and to judge by the frequency with which they are billed to appear within the coming fortnight the management is alive to their value.

“Fra Diavolo” has found its way into the Metropolitan’s active list at intervals in a span of two decades past and it has received more appreciation than it has merited.

The Girl with the Enamel Eyes, by which alternative title not many frequenters of opera would recognize this delightful ballet, was conceived as to its drama by Charles Nuitter (Saint-Léon) out of the materials of Hoffmann’s story “Der Sandmann,” which Offenbach afterward used in his opera.

The first act of this tale of Hoffmann is pretty and the music written for its Paris première years ago is a classic of its genre not heard in it complete form. It gives an impression of rhythmic swinging freshness that testifies to the vigor of the composer.

Miss Pavlowa, Mr. Mordkin and the corps de ballet did their best to translate this story into the constantly applauded “Coppelia” takes its place as a work of genuine charm. The graceful movements were closely watched and applauded last night.

“Fra Diavolo,” which occupied the first evening, offered a familiar vehicle for Miss Farrar’s admirable singing. Her bearing gave especial promise in the naive role of Zerlina, the innkeeper’s wife.

Miss Maubourg’s creation of Lady Allcash and Mr. Bourgeois completed the cast. Mr. Toscanini conducted.